Outgoing Call Handling System and Method

ABSTRACT

A cellular system for handling outgoing calls from a mobile station ( 1 ) including a network element ( 8 ) being capable of recognizing voice commands and names, and has in memory a database of telephone numbers corresponding to an array of names. The mobile station ( 1 ) connects to the network element ( 8 ) and the mobile station user communicates the desired outgoing call function to the network element ( 8 ) by voice. This desired outgoing call function may be communicated while the mobile station ( 1 ) is engaged in using supplementary services provided by the network element ( 8 ), at any operational point in those services. The network element ( 8 ) evaluates the voice communication, retrieves any corresponding information, including telephone numbers, and communicates the necessary information needed by the mobile station ( 1 ) to carry out the desired function to the mobile station ( 1 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 11/869,326, filedOct. 9, 2007, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/934,210, filedSep. 3, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/530,119, filedApr. 24, 2000, which was the National Stage of International ApplicationNo. PCT/US98/22714, filed Oct. 27, 1998, all of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety. International Application No.PCT/US98/22714 claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 60/065,958, filedNov. 4, 1997.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to systems and methods for handling outgoingcalls from a mobile station or handset, in a cellular telephone system.Particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods for handlingoutgoing calls from a mobile station in which the mobile station and anetwork element cooperate in handling such calls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of cellular telephones or mobile stations has proliferatedthroughout the world. One of the primary reasons for this proliferationis the convenience associated with cellular telephone use.

Mobile stations are often used in constrained conditions, such as anautomobile or in a crowd of people, by persons who are traveling and ina rush. In such places, it is often difficult to focus on manipulatingthe dial pad of the telephone. Moreover, if the user of the telephonedoes not remember the telephone number of the person the user wishes todial, it is often difficult in such conditions to look up the telephonenumber in the user's telephone book. These are some of the disadvantagesof the cellular telephones and cellular-telephone systems commonly inuse today.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,644,107 to Clowes et al. discloses a telephone whichstores names and corresponding telephone numbers. The telephonerecognizes voice, and when a name which is stored by the telephone isspoken, the telephone dials the telephone number corresponding to thatname spoken. Other similar inventions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,483,579 to Stogelx and U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,340 to Engelbeck et al.

The products disclosed in the above-cited references offer the advantageof storing telephone numbers such that the user of the telephone doesnot have to pause to look up the number of the party the user wishes todial. Also, the products disclosed in the above-cited references offerthe advantage of allowing the user to dial the desired party by speakingthe party's name.

One of the disadvantages of the conventional products disclosed in theabove-cited references is that the names and numbers are stored in thetelephone. Storage of names and numbers in a cellular telephone does noteasily allow users of other mobile stations to access the stored data.Moreover, such storage requires memory circuitry within the cellulartelephone. Although developments in circuit integration have reduced thesize of such circuitry considerably, such circuitry nonetheless requiressome space within the cellular telephone and increases the weight of thetelephone. It is desirable to manufacture cellular telephones withdimensions and weight as small as possible.

Another disadvantage of conventional products results from thevolatility of memory. The mobility of cellular phones expose such phonesto physical forces that can cause a loss of power or damage to thetelephone's memory. When such products store names and numbers withinthe mobile station, such volatility risks loss or damage to that data.

Another disadvantage of conventional products is that such products donot perform network functions, such as setting up a conference call andinteracting with network resources to find a desired telephone number.

Another disadvantage of conventional products that store names andnumbers within a mobile station is that mobile stations do not haveaccess to the data stored within other mobile stations. A person thathas multiple conventional phones must program each phone individually.

Another disadvantage of conventional products is that mobile stationsmust allow the network platform to perform call control.

Another disadvantage of conventional products is that trombone trunking,generally requiring all calls to route into and out from the networkplatform, is relied upon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features processes and apparatus for handlingoutgoing calls from a mobile station in a cellular telecommunicationsystem. The processes are carried out by, and the apparatus comprises, amobile station, a base station subsystem, network switching subsystem,and a network element, e.g., an intelligent-network (IN) platform,Service Control Point (SCP), Service Node (SN), Advanced IntelligentNetwork (AIN), Intelligent Peripherals (IPs) or other network element.Preferably this network element is an IN platform. Such apparatus havefunctionality that can associate those numbers with the correspondingnames.

The present invention allows call control to alternate between themobile station and the IN platform. The mobile station detects anattention signal from the user and calls a platform at a platformcallback number. The platform detects the incoming call and answers thecall, thereby connecting the mobile station with the platform. Theplatform sends a greeting to the mobile station and waits for a commandfrom the mobile station. The mobile station receives a user command fromthe user and communicates this command to the platform, which theplatform receives and evaluates. After evaluating the command, theplatform sends a corresponding command signal to the mobile station andthe mobile station receives the command signal. The mobile station thencarries out an outgoing call function corresponding to the commandsignal, such as calling a particular number, conferencing with aparticular number, or carrying out such functions and then calling theplatform back to resume communication with the platform at the operationpoint at which the command was given by the mobile station.

The present invention offers the advantages of the products disclosed inthe above-cited references. That is, one advantage of the presentinvention is that it includes storage of telephone numbers such that theuser of the telephone does not have to pause to look up the number ofthe party the user wishes to dial. Another advantage of the presentinvention is the user may dial the desired party by speaking the party'sname.

Another important advantage of the present invention is that utilizationof platform capabilities and network resources are greatly reduced.Conventional outgoing call handling methods and devices placeconsiderable emphasis on utilizing platform capabilities and networkresources. The present invention emphasizes utilization of the mobilestation in carrying out and controlling outgoing calls and associatedfunctions. The present invention contemplates connecting to and usingthe capabilities of platforms only when necessary. The present inventionallows up to eighty to ninety percent less utilization of IntelligentNetwork (“IN”) platforms and trunks with port connections thanconventional systems. Thus, the platform's resources are freed up toprovide services to a great number of subscribers and to provideservices which require greater platform resources than are normallyavailable with conventional systems.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it enables networkcosts to be reduced and can make speech-recognition and control incommunications networks more affordable.

Another advantage of the present invention is that billing for enhancedservices is simpler than conventional systems. The present inventioncontemplates that all enhanced service calls either originate orterminate at the mobile station. Thus, the platform or adjunct systemswould not be required to gather billing information. Consequently, allbilling could be switch-based.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it is not necessaryto modify structure in conventional switches in order to implement thepresent invention. Thus, only minimal modifications to conventionalcellular-telephone networks are necessary to implement the presentinvention.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the present inventionperforms network activity, such as setting up a conference call, andinteracts with network resources to find a desired telephone number.

Another advantage of the present invention is that multiple mobilestations may access a database. Thus, the owner of multiple mobilestations need only input names and telephone numbers a single time.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it contemplates thestorage of data at one or more platforms, e.g., a fault-tolerant networkplatform. Thus, the loss of power or receipt of a physical impact of amobile station contemplated by the present invention does not risk theloss of data as with conventional mobile stations. Moreover, thepurchase of a new mobile station does not require the user to reprogramdata as with conventional mobile stations.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides theprocess of passing call control back-and-forth between the networkplatform and the mobile station.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the mobile stationcan interactively control a call in conjunction with a network platform,thus interaction with a PSTN switch (or other public network switch) oran SCP is not necessary.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the user of a mobilestation may initiate a communication session with the network platformrather than waiting for a message from the network platform.

Another advantage of the present invention is that call-controlcommands, such as a command to conference, may be initiated while themobile station is carrying out a call session.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it allows alternatingcall control between a mobile station and a network platform.

The present invention offers other advantages, including: multiple usersmay easily access a database of stored names and corresponding telephonenumbers, and the dimensions and weight of mobile stations may bereduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a system according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a base station subsystem according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a flow chart illustrating a first portion of an embodiment ofprocesses according to the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a flow chart illustrating a second portion of an embodimentof processes according to the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a flow chart illustrating a third portion of an embodiment ofprocesses according to the present invention.

FIG. 2D is a flow chart illustrating a fourth portion of an embodimentof processes according to the present invention.

FIG. 2E is a flow chart illustrating a fifth portion of an embodiment ofprocesses according to the present invention.

FIG. 2F is a flow chart illustrating a sixth portion of an embodiment ofprocesses according to the present invention.

FIG. 2G is a flow chart illustrating a seventh portion of an embodimentof processes according to the present invention.

FIG. 2H is a flow chart illustrating a eighth portion of an embodimentof processes according to the present invention.

FIG. 2I is a flow chart illustrating a ninth portion of an embodiment ofprocesses according to the present invention.

FIG. 2J is a flow chart illustrating a tenth portion of an embodiment ofprocesses according to the present invention.

FIG. 2K is a flow chart illustrating a tenth portion of an embodiment ofprocesses according to the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a flow chart illustrating a process according to the presentinvention, showing particularly action of the intelligent networkplatform.

FIG. 3B is a flow chart illustrating a process according to the presentinvention, showing particularly action of the intelligent networkplatform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In a first embodiment of the present invention provides an outgoing-callhandling method, said method carried out by an apparatus comprising amobile station and an intelligent telecommunications network element,said method comprising the following steps: a) detecting an attentionsignal; b) calling the network element at a network element callbacknumber; c) connecting with the network element; d) communicating a usercommand to the network element; e) receiving a command signal from thenetwork element corresponding to said user command; f) disconnectingfrom the network element, and g) in a mobile station, carrying out afunction corresponding to said command signal A second embodimentincludes the steps described in the first embodiment, and step b iscarried out in the mobile station. A third embodiment includes the stepsdescribed in the second embodiment, and said command signal comprises atleast one of: first data corresponding to a telephone number, a controlsignal, and second data corresponding to a network element callbacktelephone number. A fourth embodiment includes the steps described inthe third embodiment, and said function comprises connecting with thetelephone number corresponding to said first data. A fifth embodimentincludes the steps described in the fourth embodiment, and said functioncomprises setting the network element callback number to the numbercorresponding to said second data in the event that said command signalcomprises said second data. A sixth embodiment includes the stepsdescribed in the fifth embodiment, and said function comprises settingthe network element callback number to the number corresponding to saidsecond data and connecting with the network element callback number upondisconnection with the telephone number corresponding to the first datain the event said control signal comprises a with-callback signal andsaid second data. A seventh embodiment includes the steps described inthe sixth embodiment, and said function comprises being placed at aoperation point corresponding to the network element callback numbercalled.

An eighth embodiment includes the steps described in the thirdembodiment, and the function comprises calling the number correspondingto said first data in the event that said control signal signifiescalling the number corresponding to said first data. A ninth embodimentincludes the steps described in the third embodiment, and the functioncomprises calling the number corresponding to said first data andplacing said call in a multi-party connection with any other connectedparty in the event that said control signal signifies conferencing withthe number corresponding to said first data. A tenth embodiment includesthe steps described in the third embodiment, and the function comprisesconnecting with the number corresponding to said first data and thencalling the number corresponding to said second data upon disconnectionfrom said connection in the event that said control signal signifiescalling the number corresponding to said first data and then returningto the present operation point. An eleventh embodiment includes thesteps described in the third embodiment, and the function comprisesconnecting with the number corresponding to said first data andincluding said connection in a conference call with all other connectedcalls in the event that said control signal signifies conferencing withthe number corresponding to said first data. A twelfth embodimentincludes the steps described in the seventh embodiment, and said step ofcommunicating a user command to the network element is carried out usinga radio frequency signal. A thirteenth embodiment includes the stepsdescribed in the first embodiment, and said network element is aplatform. A fourteenth embodiment includes the steps described in thefirst embodiment, and said network element is an intelligent networkplatform. A fifteenth embodiment includes the steps described in thefirst embodiment, and said network element comprises hardware that iscapable of sensing a current status of a call to the network element andof assigning a platform-callback number that will return the mobilestation to that status when called.

A sixteenth embodiment includes the steps described in the fourteenthembodiment, and said command signal comprises at least one of: firstdata corresponding to a telephone number, a control signal, and seconddata corresponding to a network element callback telephone number. Aseventeenth embodiment includes the steps described in the sixteenthembodiment, and said function comprises connecting with the telephonenumber corresponding to said first data. An eighteenth embodimentincludes the steps described in the fifteenth embodiment, and saidcommand signal comprises at least one of: first data corresponding to atelephone number, a control signal, and second data corresponding to anetwork element callback telephone number. A nineteenth embodimentincludes the steps described in the eighteenth embodiment, and saidfunction comprises connecting with the telephone number corresponding tosaid first data.

A twentieth embodiment includes an outgoing-call handling method, saidmethod carried out by an apparatus comprising an intelligenttelecommunications network element, said method comprising the followingsteps: a) detecting an incoming call; b) answering said call; c)establishing connection with said call; d) if said call is to one of afirst set of preselected network element callback numbers, sendinggreeting to caller; if said call is to one of a second set ofpreselected network element callback numbers, placing said connection atoperation point within the network element operation corresponding tothe called callback number; e) waiting for command; f) receivingcommand; g) evaluating command; and h) if said command corresponds to acommand to enter a selected platform-based service, entering theselected platform-based service and returning to step e); and if saidcommand corresponds to a command to signal a command signal, sending acommand signal corresponding to said command to the mobile station anddisconnecting call.

A twenty-first embodiment includes the steps described in the twentiethembodiment, and step b is carried out in said network element. Atwenty-second embodiment includes the steps described in thetwenty-first embodiment, and said command signal comprises at least oneof: first data corresponding to a telephone number, a control signal,and a second data corresponding to a network element callback number. Atwenty-third embodiment includes the steps described in thetwenty-second embodiment, and said selected platform-based service is avoice-mail messaging service. A twenty-fourth embodiment includes thesteps described in the twenty-third embodiment, and said one of a secondset of preselected network element callback numbers corresponds to anoperation point within said voice-mail messaging service. A twenty-fifthembodiment includes the steps described in the twenty-fourth embodiment,and said step of sending a command signal is carried out with a radiofrequency signal. A twenty-sixth embodiment includes the steps describedin the twentieth embodiment, and said network element is a platform. Atwenty-seventh embodiment includes the steps described in the twentiethembodiment, and said network element is an intelligent network platform.A twenty-eighth embodiment includes the steps described in the twentiethembodiment, and said platform-based service is a supplementary service.

A thirtieth embodiment includes an outgoing-call handling apparatus,said apparatus comprising: a network element; a mobile station; whereinsaid network element is programmed to store telephone numbers andcorresponding names, to recognize said names when spoken, to answer andconnect incoming calls, to receive and evaluate commands from saidincoming calls, and to send at least one command signal to the connectedcalls; and wherein said mobile station is programmed to receive at leastone command signal from said network element and to carry out callingfunctions corresponding to said command signals. A thirty-firstembodiment includes the apparatus of the thirtieth embodiment whereinsaid command signal comprises at least one of: first data correspondingto a telephone number, a control signal, and a second data correspondingto a network element callback number. A thirty-second embodimentincludes the apparatus of thirtieth embodiment wherein said networkelement is a platform. A thirty-third embodiment includes the apparatusof the thirty-second embodiment wherein said network element is coupledto a public telephone network. A thirty-fourth embodiment includes theapparatus of the thirty-fourth embodiment wherein said public telephonenetwork is a public switched telephone network. A thirty-fifthembodiment includes the apparatus of the thirty-third embodiment whereinsaid public telephone network is a integrated services digital network.A thirty-sixth embodiment includes the apparatus of the thirty-fourthembodiment wherein said mobile station comprises a subscriber identitymodule. A thirty-seventh embodiment includes the apparatus of thethirtieth embodiment wherein said network comprises an intelligentnetwork platform.

A thirty-eighth embodiment includes an outgoing-call handling method,said method carried out by a communications device and a platform, saidmethod comprising the following steps: a) the communications devicereceiving an attention signal from a user of the communications device;b) the communications device calling the platform; c) the platformanswering the call; d) the platform sending a greeting; e) thecommunications device receiving a greeting from the platform; f) thecommunications device receiving a user command from the user; g) thecommunications device communicating said user command to the platform;h) the platform sending a command signal corresponding to said usercommand to the communications device; i) the communications devicereceiving said command signal; j) the communications device carrying outa function corresponding to said command signal. A thirty-ninthembodiment includes the steps described in the thirty-eighth embodiment,and said communications device is a mobile station.

The apparatus and process described below is for use in a Global Systemfor Mobile (GSM) standard cellular system network, but the invention maybe used in non-GSM networks, such as an Integrated Services DigitalNetwork (ISDN), as well. Embodiments according to present invention aredisclosed herein in reference to GSM because GSM is one of the mostpopular standards for cellular radio and telecommunications. GSM isdescribed generally in Theodore S. Rappaport, Wireless Communications(1996), and William C. Y. Lee, Mobile Cellular Telecommunications (2ded. 1995), which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 1A is a high level functional block diagram of an embodimentaccording to the present invention. The apparatus or system shown inFIG. 1A includes a communications device, in this case a mobile station1, or handset, a base transceiver station (BTS) 4, a base stationcontroller (BSC) 6, a network switching subsystem (NSS), and an networkelement 8. The preferred embodiment employs a mobile telephone as acommunications device, but other telephones and devices may be used,such as land-line telephones, computers, or other devices. The networkelement 8 shown is an intelligent network platform (IN platform).Network elements that may be used are elements such as a Service ControlPoint (SCP), Service Node (SN), Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN),Intelligent Peripherals (IPs) or other network element.

The mobile station comprises mobile equipment and a subscriber identitymodule (SIM). The SIM is capable of storing a default telephone numberfor the IN platform. The mobile station 1 shown in FIG. 1A is capable ofcommunicating using the GSM standard. The mobile station 1 communicateswith the BTS 4, also known as a cell. This communication is accomplishedusing radio-frequency signals in conventional fashion or as otherwisedesired or accomplished as desired. The BTS 4 in turn communicates witha BSC 6 in conventional fashion or as otherwise desired. The BSC 6 maycontrol and communicate with several BTSs.

The BSC in turn communicates with Network Switching Subsystem (NSS) 9 inconventional fashion or as otherwise desired The NSS 9 comprises aMobile Switching Center (MSC) (not shown), which governs the platform'scommunication with public telephone networks and which coordinates callset-up to and from mobile stations using the GSM standards. The NSS 9also comprises a Home Location Register (HLR) and a Visitor LocationRegister (VLR) (not shown). The HLR comprises a computer, including adatabase storing subscriber information and current-location informationfor each user who resides in the MSC's city or surrounding area. The VLRcomprises a computer, including a database temporarily storingsubscription data then needed by the MSC. For example, the VLR storescustomer information for a roaming subscriber who is temporarily in thecoverage area of the MSC.

The NSS 9 communicates with an IN platform 8 using radio-frequencysignals in conventional fashion or as otherwise desired or accomplishedas desired. The NSS 9 is coupled with a network, such as the PublicSwitched Telephone Network (PSTN), Integrated Services Digital Network(ISDN), or other data networks (not shown), thus allowing communicationbetween the mobile station and devices connected to a public telephonenetwork. The NSS 9 is shown connected with a PSTN 2.

The BTS 4 and BSC 6 comprise the base station subsystem 7 (BSS) as shownin FIG. 1B. The mobile station thus normally communicates with the INplatform 8 through the BTS 4, BSC 6, and NSS 9, i.e., through the BSS 7and NSS 9. For convenience, this disclosure of the embodiments accordingto the present invention describe the mobile station's communicationwith the IN platform, rather than the mobile station's communicationwith the BTS, the BTS's communications with the BSC, the BSC'scommunication with the NSS (or the BSS's communication with the NSS),and the NSS's communication with 1N platform. It would be recognized byone of ordinary skill in the art that communication between a mobilestation and an IN platform often occurs through other structure, such asa BTS, BSC, and NSS.

The IN platform 8 according to the present invention includesvoice-recognition hardware, memory or database which is capable ofstoring telephone numbers and corresponding names, and hardware that iscapable of sensing the current status of a call to the platform and ofassigning a platform-callback number that will return the caller to thatstatus when called. Such hardware, memory, or database may include amicroprocessor. The IN platform 8 has a first preselected set oftelephone numbers which, when called, cause the caller to receive agreeting and be presented with a selection of command options. The TNplatform 8 has a second preselected set of telephone numbers which, whencalled, cause the caller to be placed in a particular or preselectedoperation state within the platform operation structure.

The present invention allows call control to be passed between acommunications device, such as a mobile station or a landline telephone,and a network element, such as an IN platform. FIGS. 2A-2K and FIGS.3A-3B are flowcharts showing an embodiment of the present invention indetail. The flowcharts show an embodiment according to the presentinvention beginning from various initial states of the mobile station.The flowcharts in FIGS. 2A-2K describe the operation of the mobilestation, or handset, during the carrying out of an embodiment of thepresent invention. The flowcharts in FIGS. 3A-3B describe the operationof the IN platform during the carrying out of an embodiment of thepresent invention. The mobile station and the IN platform take the stepsshown in FIGS. 2A-2K and FIGS. 3A-3B in cooperation with each other tocarry out the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Theembodiment shown therein is described below.

FIG. 2A shows an embodiment according to the present invention with themobile station beginning from idle mode. In idle mode, the mobilestation is on, but there are no active, held, or pending calls.

Referring to FIG. 2A, in the process shown, the mobile station is idle10. In a preferred embodiment, the user of the mobile station providesan attention signal, e.g., a phrase such as “Attention” or “PowerCall,”by, for example, speaking, and the mobile station detects the spokensignal 12. In another embodiment, the use of a spoken attention signalmay be replaced with another action or attention signal, such aspressing a button on a mobile station's keypad. The mobile station theninitiates a call to a IN platform 14 and starts a timer 16, designatedT1. The call is made to the telephone number that is then designated asthe platform callback number (or platform call number). At this point,the mobile station is in idle mode, in that it has no activeconnections, and is attempting to call the platform 17. The timer T1shown in 16 governs the amount of time the mobile station will wait forthe IN platform to answer. The timer T1 expires in a predesignatedamount of time, preferably 3-6 seconds. If the timer T1 expires 18before the platform answers, the mobile station will return to idle mode10. Similarly, if the call attempt fails for some other reason 20, themobile station will return to idle mode 10. If the platform answers 22the mobile station's call, the mobile station will reset the platformcallback number to a number stored in the mobile station's SIM 24. Theplatform's step of detecting the incoming call from the mobile station502 and answering the call 504 is shown in FIG. 3A. Referring again toFIG. 2A, at this point, and at all other points in which the callbacknumber is reset described herein, the mobile station may reset theplatform callback number to a number stored elsewhere or a numbercommunicated to it, but in the preferred embodiment, the number isretrieved from the mobile station's SIM. The next time the mobilestation calls the platform, the mobile station will call this designatednumber. After the callback number is reset, the platform sends (orplays) a greeting to mobile station, e.g., “Hello, how can I help you?,”(which is shown in FIG. 3A as step 506), and the mobile station receivesthe greeting 26 and accordingly the mobile station user hears thegreeting. This greeting is carried via a voice-carrying connectionbetween the platform 8 and the mobile station 1.

Once the mobile station receives the greeting 26 and the user hears thegreeting, the mobile station waits to receive a command according to thepresent invention from the mobile station user 27. The command ispreferably a voice command, but can comprise other forms, such astouch-tone, designated sounds, or data. At this time, the platform waitsto receive a command from the mobile station as shown as step 508 inFIG. 3A. Referring to FIG. 2B, the mobile station communicates thereceived command to the platform 29. This communication is preferablyaccomplished via a voice-carrying connection between the platform andthe mobile station. Once the platform receives the voice command (shownas step 510 in FIG. 3A), the platform evaluates the voice command (shownas step 512 in FIG. 3A).

Services provided by the IN platform (or similar network element) aregenerally referred to as platform-based services. Such services includeservices such as messaging-based services, calling services, andsupplementary services.

The service requested could be one or more of a variety of services. Theservice requested could be a call-processing service, in which the userdesires to make a call or desired to utilize an available supplementaryservice, e.g., call waiting, call conferencing, call transfer, and callforwarding. In some instances the mobile station returns control overcalls and other matters to the platform after a call ends and in someinstances the mobile station retains control over calls and othermatters.

If the service requested is to be provided by the platform, the platformsignals the mobile station with a command signal (shown as step 514 inFIG. 3A). Preferably, the command signal is signaled using GSMUnstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). USSD is describedgenerally in European Telecommunications Standards Institute, GSM 02.90:Digital Cellular Telecommunications System; Unstructured SupplementaryService Data (USSD)—Stage 1 (Version 5.0.0 Nov. 1996) (Reference:TS/SMG-010290Q); European Telecommunications Standards Institute, GSM03.38: Digital Cellular Telecommunications System (Phase 2+); Alphabetsand Language-Specific Information (Version 5.3.0 Jul. 1996) (ReferenceTS/SMG-040338QR2); and European Telecommunications Standards Institute,GSM 03.90: Digital Cellular Telecommunications System; UnstructuredSupplementary Service Data (USSD)—Stage 2 (Version 5.0.0 Dec. 1996)(Reference TS/SMG-030390Q). Other methods, though, such as dual-tonemulti-frequency (DTMF) may be used in the place of USSD in carrying outthe present invention. The command signal preferably includes telephonenumber information, platform callback number information, and a controlsignal directing the action the mobile station is to take in response tothe user's voice command. The command signal tells the mobile stationthe function that the mobile station is to carry out.

If the service requested is to be provided by the platform, preferablythe voice-carrying connection between the mobile station and theplatform will remain connected. This will enable the mobile station userto send commands (typically voice commands or DTMF commands) directly tothe platform. Other types of connections may be used and sustained.

Once the command signal is communicated to the mobile station, theplatform disconnects 518. This disconnect frees up platform resources tobe used during other calls.

The shown embodiment shows call conferencing as one example of asupplementary service. The command may be to enter a supplementaryservice offered by the platform other than call conferencing, which isshown. One example of such a service is voice-mail service. If thecommand is to enter a supplementary service other than the shownconferencing service 39, the mobile station will enter such a service,carry out steps according to that particular supplementary service, andwill continue waiting for another command from the user 27. For example,the mobile station may enter and use voice mail. The mobile station willcontinue to monitor the user to determine if the user might provideanother command, such as CALL(A) or another command described below.Other examples of supplementary services are call waiting, callconferencing, call transfer, and call forwarding.

The preferred embodiment shows entry into a supplementary service 39.Any platform-based service may be entered at the point shown in thepreferred embodiment as entering supplementary service or regardingsupplementary service.

In the shown embodiment, the call-processing command-signals that themobile station may receive, and recognizes, comprise: CALL(A),CONFERENCE(A), ALL_WITH_RETURN(A,B), and CONFERENCE_WITH_RETURN(A,B). Aand B are parameters corresponding to telephone numbers. The CALL(A)command corresponds to commanding the mobile station to place anoutgoing call to the number indicated by parameter A. The CONFERENCE(A)and CONFERENCE_WITH_RETURN(A) are specific examples of supplementaryservices. The CONFERENCE(A) command corresponds to commanding the mobilestation to place an outgoing call to the number indicated by theparameter A and to incorporate the connection with A into a multi-partycall.

The CALL_WITH_RETURN and CONFERENCE_WITH_RETURN commands are used whenthe mobile station is connected to the platform and has activated acall-processing service while involved in using a platform-basedservice, e.g., voice mail. The CALL_WITH_RETURN(A,B) command correspondsto commanding the mobile station to place an outgoing call to the numberindicated by parameter A and to set the platform-callback number for themobile station's next call to the platform to the number indicated byparameter B. The CONFERENCE_WITH_RETURN(A,B) command corresponds tocommanding the mobile station to place an outgoing call to the numberindicated by parameter A, to incorporate that connection into amulti-party call, and set the platform-callback number for the mobilestation's next call to the platform to the number indicated by parameterB.

The “with return” portion of the commands signifies that the call orconference portion of the command is first carried out, and then,preferably after a pre-designated command is received from the user, themobile station will return to operation point in the service in whichthe mobile station was involved before the user decided to initiate aCALL_WITH_RETURN or CONFERENCE_WITH_RETURN command. For example, themobile station may call the platform at 404-555-1111, connect with theplatform, enter a voice-mail system, and begin reviewing voice-mailmessages. The user may have five voice-mail messages. After listening tothe first message, a message from John Doe, the mobile station user maywish to immediately call John Doe, whose number is 404-555-2222.Moreover, the user may wish to return to the T5 voice-mail system atexactly the point at which the user departed from the system, justbefore listening to the second message, following the user'sconversation with John Doe and disconnection from John Doe. The userwill give a voice command, e.g., “Return the Call.” The platform hasJohn Doe's name and telephone number stored in memory. The platform willsend a CALL_WITH_RETURN(4045552222, 4045551112) command to the mobilestation. This directs the mobile station to call 404-555-2222. When thecall to 404-555-2222 is finished, and the mobile station receives acommand, e.g., “Return,” the mobile station calls the platform back at404-555-1112. When the platform receives a call from the mobile stationat 404-555-1112, the platform returns the caller to the point at whichthe previous call to the platform was terminated or to some otherselected point. The CALL_WITH_RETURN and CONFERENCE_WITH_RETURNcommands, and all similar commands, are called “with-return” commands.

The commands discussed above are made using USSD. Each command is madeusing a USSD string, which the platform is preprogrammed to make and themobile station is preprogrammed to recognize as instructing that itcarry out the corresponding command. For example, a command to call404-555-1212, i.e., a CALL(4045551212) command, will be made by theplatform to the mobile station by transmitting the USSD stringcorresponding to that command, 01*4045551212# (with or in relation tothe “call” command).

Referring to FIG. 2B, if, while waiting for a command, the mobilestation disconnects from the platform 28, the mobile station returns toidle mode 10. Similarly, if, while waiting for a command, the mobilestation senses that the platform has disconnected 30, the mobile stationwill disconnect from the platform 32, and return to idle mode 10.

If the mobile station receives a CALL(A) command from the platform 40,the mobile station disconnects the platform 50, and calls the numbercorresponding to the parameter A 52. For example, if the mobile stationreceives a CALL(4045551212) command from the platform, the mobilestation will disconnect the platform and place a call to 404-555-1212.Likewise, if the mobile station receives a CONF(A) command 42, themobile station disconnects the platform 50, and calls the numbercorresponding to the parameter A 52.

If the mobile station receives a CALL_WITH_RETURN(A,B) command from theplatform 34, the mobile station first sets the platform-callback numberto the number corresponding to the parameter B 36. For example, if themobile station receives a CALL_WITH_RETURN(4045552222, 4045551112)command, the mobile station will set the platform-callback number to404-555-1112. Similarly, if the mobile station receives aCONF_WITH_RETURN(A,B) command from the platform 38, the mobile stationfirst sets the platform-callback number to the number corresponding tothe parameter B 36. Unless the platform call-back number is reset beforethe next call to the platform is made by the mobile station, the mobilestation's next call to the platform will be to the number 404-555-1112.Like the steps above, following setting the platform-callback number 36,the mobile station disconnects the platform 50, and calls the numbercorresponding to parameter A 52.

FIG. 2K illustrates the steps taken according to the present inventionwhen a setup attempt is made to the platform at a platform callbacknumber. The mobile station will setup a call to the number to which theplatform callback number has been set 710 (designated B herein). If thecall fails 714, or the number is busy 712, the mobile station willreturn to idle mode 10 if there is no other party connected with themobile station 718. If there is another connected party 720, the mobilestation will enter active single party mode with that connected party722.

Referring to FIG. 3B, if the platform detects an incoming call to thecallback number 602, the platform will answer the call 604. Referringagain to FIG. 2K, if the call to the platform is successful 730, themobile station will be returned to the operation point corresponding tothe callback number 732. This is accomplished by operation of theplatform (step 606 shown in FIG. 3B). Then, the mobile station will waitfor a command 27, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and the platform willwait for a command from the mobile station 508, as shown in FIGS. 3B and3A. The command from the mobile station is transmitted via thevoice-carrying connection between the network platform and the mobilestation. The mobile station will continue the process from step 27 asshown in FIG. 2B and the platform will continue from step 508 as shownin FIG. 3A.

Once the setup attempt begins 52, the mobile station waits to see theresults of its attempt 53. If the number corresponding to parameter A isbusy 54, or if the call of the number corresponding to parameter A fails56 for some reason, the mobile station will return to idle mode 10. Ifthe call to the platform is disconnected 58, the mobile station willrelease the call to A 60, and return to idle mode.

If the call to the number corresponding to parameter A is connected 62,the mobile station enters active mode with the call 64. In active mode,the mobile station is on and has an active, single party call. If theembodiment corresponding to the present invention reaches active mode64, or idle mode after busy 54, setup failure 56, or disconnect fromsubscriber 58, after receiving a CALL_WITH_RETURN(A,B) or aCONF_WITH_RETURN(A,B) signal, the mobile station's next call to theplatform will be to the number corresponding to the parameter B unlessthis callback-designation is altered.

Referring to FIG. 2K, if the mobile station is in active mode 64 with acall A, once the call is disconnected 700, whether by choice of one orboth of the parties or other cause, the mobile station will then carryout the appropriate step. If the last command was a CALL(A) command 702,the mobile station will return to idle mode 10. If the last command wasa CONFERENCE(A) command 704, the mobile station will return to active,single-party mode with the other connected party 706. If the lastcommand was a “with return” command 708, the mobile station will setup acall to the IN platform at the platform callback number 710. If thatcallback number is busy 712, or the call fails 714, the mobile stationwill return to idle mode 10 if there are no other connected parties 718.If there is another connected party to the mobile station 720, themobile station will enter single-party active mode with the connectedparty 722.

If the setup attempt to the platform at the callback number connects730, and is thus successful, the mobile station will be placed at theoperation point associated with the callback number used 732, preferablythe last operation point at which the mobile station interacted with theplatform. Subsequently, the mobile station will await a command 27, asshown in FIG. 2B, and the process will continue as shown in FIG. 2B.

Referring to FIG. 2C, when the mobile station is in active mode with oneparty, if the active party is disconnected 700, the mobile station willcarry out the steps shown in FIG. 2K. After the disconnection 700, ifthe last command was CALL(A) 72, the mobile station will return to idlemode 10. If the last command was CONFERENCE(A) 704, and there is aremaining connected party, the mobile station will go into active modewith the connected party 706. If the last command was a “with return”command 708, the mobile station will call the platform at the platformcallback number 710, B. If the connection to the platform is successful730, the mobile station will return to the operation point at which the“with return” command was given 732 and will wait for further commands27. If the attempt to call the callback number results in a failure 714or a busy 712, the mobile station will return to idle mode 10 if noparties are connected 718 and will enter active mode 722 if parties areconnected 720.

Step 700 is shown several times in the drawings. At each point, theabove-described steps, as shown in FIG. 2K, are taken upon a disconnect700.

Referring to FIG. 2C, when the mobile station is in active mode 64, themobile station user may wish to undertake a call to another number. Forpurposes of setting forth an embodiment according to the presentinvention, the call with which the mobile station is in active mode withis designated “P”. While in active mode with call P 64, the mobilestation user provides an attention signal, by, for example, speaking anattention phrase, e.g., “PowerCall” or “Attention,” and the mobilestation recognizes such a signal 66. Other attention signals, such aspressing a designated button on the mobile station's keypad, may beused. Accordingly, the mobile station attempts to place the call with Pon hold 67. If the hold attempt is not acknowledged 69, the mobilestation remains in active mode 64.

If the connection between the mobile station and the call P is broken66, referring to FIG. 2A, the mobile station will call the platform 14and start a timer 16, designated T1. The embodiment according to thepresent invention then continues as shown in FIG. 2A.

If the hold attempt is acknowledged 68, and thus the hold is successful,the mobile station starts a timer 70, designated T1, and attempts tosetup a call to the platform 72. The timer T1 shown in 70 governs theamount of time that the mobile station will wait for the platform toconnect. If the mobile station is then disconnected from the call to P74, referring to FIG. 2A, the embodiment according to the presentinvention goes to the step according to the step shown as 17 in FIG. 2A,calling platform. The embodiment continues with step T1 expired 18,setup failed 20, or Answer 22 shown in FIG. 2A. The embodiment thencontinues as shown in FIG. 2A.

If the mobile station is disconnected from the platform 80, the mobilestation will release the call to the platform 82. If the setup attemptfails 76 or the timer T1 expires 78, or after the call to the platformis released 82, the mobile station is in hold mode 84, with the calldesignated as P on hold.

If the platform detects the incoming call (as shown at 502 in FIG. 3A)and answers (shown at 504 in FIG. 3A) and the mobile station connectswith the platform 86, the mobile station resets the platform callbacknumber 88. Preferably, the mobile station resets the platform callbacknumber to a number stored in a mobile station SIM. At this point, thecall P is on hold and the platform and the mobile station are connected.The platform sends a greeting to the mobile station, e.g., “Hello, howcan I help you?,” (shown at 506 in FIG. 3A) and the mobile stationreceives the greeting 90 and accordingly the mobile station user hearsthe greeting.

Once the mobile station receives the greeting 90, the mobile stationwaits to receive a voice command from the mobile station user 91.Referring to FIG. 3A, the platform waits to receive a command from themobile station 508, preferably as a result of action by the mobilestation user. Referring to FIG. 2E, the mobile station communicates thereceived command to the platform via the voice-carrying connection 93.Once the platform receives the voice command (shown at 510 in FIG. 3A),the platform evaluates the voice command (512 in FIG. 3A) and signalsthe mobile station with a command signal (514 at FIG. 3A). Preferably,the command signal is signalled using GSM Unstructured SupplementaryService Data (USSD).

If the command is to enter a supplementary service 109 other than theCALLBACK services shown, such as voice-mail, the mobile station willenter the corresponding supplementary service. Then, the mobile stationwill continue waiting for a command 91, and the process will continue asshown in FIG. 2E.

If the platform disconnects from the mobile station 94, the mobilestation will disconnect its call to the platform 96, and will go intohold mode 84, with the call designated P on hold. Likewise, if themobile station disconnects from the platform 92, the mobile station willgo into hold mode 84. If the call to P is disconnected 95, the mobilestation will be waiting for a command 27, as shown in FIG. 2E and FIG.2A, and the process will continue as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

If the mobile station receives a command of CALL(A) 98 from theplatform, the mobile station disconnects the platform 100 and begins tosetup a call to the number corresponding to the parameter A 106. If themobile station receives a command of CALL_WITH_RETURN(A,B) 102, themobile station sets the platform callback number to the numbercorresponding to the parameter B 104, and then disconnects the platform100, and begins to setup a call to the number corresponding to parameterA 106. At this point, the call P is on hold and the mobile station iswaiting to see the results of its setup attempt 116.

If the platform disconnects from the mobile station 118, the mobilestation releases the pending call to the number corresponding to theparameter A 120 and goes into hold mode 84, with the call P on hold. Ifthe setup fails 122 or the mobile station receives a busy signal fromthe number A 124, the mobile station likewise goes into hold mode 84,with the call P on hold.

If the call to A is connected 126, and is thus successful, the mobilestation is in active mode with the call to A, and has the calldesignated P on hold. If, during the call attempt to A, the call to Pdisconnects 130, referring to FIG. 2E and FIG. 2B, the mobile stationcontinues to attempt the setup with A 53. Referring to FIG. 2B, theembodiment according to the present invention herein described continuesas shown from the step designated 53 as shown in FIG. 2B.

Referring to FIG. 2E, if the mobile station receives aCONF_WITH_RETURN(A,B) command 110, the mobile station will set theplatform callback number to the number corresponding to the parameter B112. Subsequently, or after receiving a CONF(A) command 108, the mobilestation disconnects the platform 130, and begins to setup a call to thenumber corresponding to the parameter A 132.

Referring to FIG. 2F, if, once the mobile station begins to setup a callto the number corresponding to the parameter A 132, the setup attemptfails 134 or a busy signal is received 136, the mobile station will gointo hold mode 84, with the call P on hold. Likewise, if the subscriberdisconnects 138, the mobile station releases the pending call to A 140and goes into hold mode 84. If the call P disconnects 142, referring toFIG. 2B, the mobile station waits to see the results of its attempt tosetup a call with A 53. The steps of the embodiment according to thepresent invention continue from 53 as shown in FIG. 2B.

If the mobile station and the call to A are connected 146, and the setupattempt is thus successful, the mobile station attempts to put themobile station, the connection with A, and the connection with P in amulti-party connection 148. The mobile station then waits 150 to see ifthe multiparty attempt is acknowledged (and is thus successful) or isnot acknowledged. If the multi-party attempt is acknowledged 152, themobile station is in active multi-party mode, with the mobile station,the connection with A, and the connection with P in multi-party, activeconnection 154. If the multi-party attempt is not acknowledged 156, andthus fails, the mobile station is in active mode with the connectionwith A, and retains the connection with P on hold 158.

Referring to FIG. 2G, if the call to A is disconnected 700, whetherpurposefully or not, the mobile station will carry out the steps shownin FIG. 2K after step 700. If the last command was a “with return”command 708, the mobile station will setup a call to the platform at theplatform callback number last set 710. If this connection is made 730,the mobile station will return to its last operation point 723 and willwait for further commands 27.

Again referring to FIG. 2G, if the mobile station is in activemulti-party mode, the mobile station user may speak an attention phrase,e.g., “PowerCall.” The mobile station recognizes the attention phrase160 and attempts to put the multi-party connection on hold 162. At thispoint, the mobile station is still in active multi-party mode 164. Ifthe hold attempt is not acknowledged 166, and is thus unsuccessful, themobile station remains in active multi-party mode with A and P 168.

If both A and P disconnect from the multi-party connection 170 while themobile station attempts to put the multi-party connection on hold, themobile station will start a timer 172, designated T1, and attempt tosetup a call to the platform 174. The timer T1 shown in 172 governs theamount of time the mobile station will wait for the platform to connect.Preferably, the timer T1 expires in 3-6 seconds. At this point, themobile station is in idle mode in that it has no active connections, andis attempting a call to the platform 17. Referring to FIG. 2A, theembodiment according to the present invention continues from this point17 as shown in FIG. 2A.

Referring to FIG. 2G, if the hold attempt is acknowledged 176, themobile station starts a timer 178, designated T1, and attempts to setupa call to the platform 180. The timer T1 shown in 178 governs the amountof time that the mobile station will wait for the platform to connect.Preferably, the timer T1 shown in 178 expires in 3-6 seconds. At thispoint, the mobile station has multiple parties on hold (A and P) and isattempting a call to the platform 182.

Referring to FIG. 2H, the embodiment according to the present inventioncontinues at the step shown at 182 in FIG. 2H. If the setup attemptfails 184 or the timer T1 expires 186, the mobile station is in heldmulti-party mode 190, with both A and P on hold. If the platform and themobile station are disconnected 192, the mobile station releases thepending call to the platform 194, and the mobile station is in heldmulti-party mode 190. If A and P disconnect from the mobile station 196,the mobile station is in idle mode, with no connected call, andcontinues to attempt the call to the platform 17. From the step shown at196 in FIG. 2H, the embodiment according to the present inventioncontinues to attempt to call the platform 17 as shown in FIG. 2A. Theembodiment according to the present invention continues from step 17 asshown in FIG. 2A and as described above.

If the platform answers the mobile station's call and the mobile stationis connected to the platform 200, the mobile station resets the platformcallback number 202 to the value stored in the mobile station's SIM. Atthis point, the mobile station has its connection with A and P inmulti-party hold and is connected with the platform 204 and awaits acommand 206.

Referring to FIG. 2I, once the platform is connected, the mobile stationreceives a greeting from the platform, e.g., “Hello, how can I helpyou?” At this point, the user may, or may not, elect to examine voicemail or undertake some other platform-based service. The user of themobile station may speak a voice command and the mobile stationcommunicates this voice command to the platform 208. This voice commandmay be, for example, “Call Jane Doe at work” or “Conference Jane Doe atwork.” If the user is examining voice mail, the voice command may be,for example, “Return the Call” or “Return the Call and Conference.” Asexplained above, once the platform receives the voice command, theplatform evaluates the voice command and signals the mobile station witha command signal. Preferably, the command signal is signalled usingUSSD. The command signal includes both telephone number information anda control signal directing the action the mobile station is to take inresponse to the user's voice command. The command signal received by themobile station determines what action the mobile station next takes.

If the user elects to enter supplementary services other than theconference service as described, such as voice mail, the mobile stationwill enter the selected supplementary service 229. Then, the mobilestation will continue waiting for a command 206.

If the mobile station recognizes that the platform has disconnected 210,the mobile station is in held multi-party mode 212, with A and P in amulti-party call on hold. Likewise, if the mobile station recognizesthat the user seeks to disconnect 214, the mobile station willdisconnect its call to the platform 216, and go into held multi-partymode 212. If both parties to the multi-party call disconnect 218, themobile station is then in idle mode, with no active calls, and isconnected to the platform. Referring to FIG. 2B, the mobile station thenwaits to receive a voice command from the mobile station user 27. Theembodiment according to the present invention then continues as shownfrom step 27 as shown in FIG. 2B.

If the mobile station receives a CALL(C) command from the platform 220,wherein the parameter C is the telephone number corresponding to thevoice command given by the mobile station user, the mobile station willdisconnect from the platform 230. If the mobile station receives aCALL_WITH_RETURN (C,B) command from the platform 222, wherein theparameter C is the telephone number corresponding to the voice commandgiven the mobile station user and the parameter B is the platformcallback number, the mobile station resets the platform callback numberto the number corresponding to the parameter B 224, and then disconnectsthe platform 230.

The mobile station then attempts to setup a connection with the numbercorresponding to the parameter C 232. At this point, the mobile stationhas two call in multi-party hold and is waiting to see if its setupattempt is successful 234. If the setup attempt fails 236, or the mobilestation receives a busy signal 238, the mobile station is in heldmulti-party mode 240, with the connection with A and P on hold. If themobile station recognizes that the user seeks to disconnect 242, themobile station will release the pending call to C 244, and will go intoheld multi-party mode 240. If both multi-party members disconnect 246,the mobile station is in idle mode, with no active calls, and continuesto call C 248. Referring to FIG. 2B, the embodiment according to thepresent invention continues at step 53, wherein the call is being madeto the number designated by C rather than by A.

Referring again to FIG. 2I, if the call to C is connected 250, themobile station is in active statues with the call to C and has amulti-party connection with A and P on hold 252.

If, after the mobile station communicates this voice command to theplatform 208, the mobile station receives a command from the platform ofCONF(C) 226, the mobile station will disconnect the platform 260 andwill attempt to setup a connection with the number corresponding to theparameter C 262. If, after the mobile station communicates this voicecommand to the platform 208, the mobile station receives a command fromthe platform of CONF_WITH_RETURN(C,B) 228, the mobile station will setthe platform callback number to the number corresponding to theparameter B 264, disconnect the platform 260, and attempt to setup aconnection with the number corresponding to the parameter C 262.

At this point, whether the command received was CONF(C) orCONF_WITH_RETURN(B,C), the mobile station has the multi-party connectionon hold and is attempting to connect with the number corresponding tothe parameter C 270. Referring to FIG. 2J, if the setup fails 272 or themobile station receives a busy signal 274, the mobile station is in heldmulti-party mode 276, with the connection with A and P on hold. If themobile station receives a disconnect command from the mobile stationuser 278, the mobile station will release the pending call to C 280, andwill be in held multi-party mode 276. If the mobile station recognizesthat both of the parties on multi-party hold disconnect 282, the mobilestation will be in idle mode, with no connected calls, and will continueattempting to connect with C 284. Referring to FIG. 2C, the embodimentaccording to the present invention continues at step 53, wherein insteadof calling the number corresponding to A as shown in FIG. 2C, the numberbeing called is the number corresponding to C.

Referring again to FIG. 2J, if the call to C connects 290, the mobilestation will attempt to add C to the multi-party connection 292. If theattempt to add C to the multi-party connection is acknowledged 294, andis thus successful, the mobile station will be in active multi-partymode with the numbers corresponding to A, P, and C 296. If the attemptto add C to the multi-party connection is not acknowledged 298, and thusfails, the mobile station will be in active mode with the call to C andwill retain the multi-party connection with A and P on hold 300.

Referring to FIG. 2D, if the mobile station has one call, designated P,on hold 84, and the mobile station receives an attention signal from themobile station user, e.g., the spoken word “PowerCall,” 310, the mobilestation will attempt to setup a connection with the platform 312. Themobile station will attempt to call the platform at the number that themobile station last set as a callback number for the platform. Themobile station then starts a timer 314, designated T1. T1 shown in 314governs the amount of time that the mobile station will wait for theplatform to connect. Preferably, T1 expires after 3-6 seconds. At thispoint, the mobile station has a single call, P, on hold and is callingthe platform at the current callback number 316.

If the setup fails 330, the mobile station will return to hold mode 320,with the connection with P on hold. Likewise, if the timer T1 expires318, the mobile station will return to hold mode 320. If the mobilestation is commanded to disconnect 322, the mobile station will releasethe pending call to the platform 324, and will return to hold mode 320.If the connection between the mobile station and P is broken 326, themobile station will be in idle mode, with no connected calls, and willcontinue calling the platform 17. Referring to FIG. 2A, the embodimentaccording to the present invention continues as shown in FIG. 2A afterstep 17.

If the platform answers 332, the mobile station will reset the platformcallback number 334 to the value stored in the mobile station's SIM. Atthis point, the mobile station has the connection with P on hold and isconnected to the platform 90. Referring to FIG. 2C, the embodimentaccording to the present invention continues after step 90 as showntherein.

Referring to FIG. 2H, if the mobile station has a multi-party connectionon hold 400 and receives an attention signal, e.g., the spoken word“PowerCall,” from the mobile station user 402, the mobile station willbegin attempting a call to the platform at the current platform callbacknumber 404. After beginning 404, the mobile station starts a timer 406,designated T1. At this point, the mobile station has a multi-partyconnection on hold and is calling the platform 182. The embodimentaccording to the present invention continues after step 406 and step 182as shown in FIG. 2H and as described above.

FIG. 3A shows the action of an intelligent network platform according tothe present invention. As described above, the network element describedherein as a preferred embodiment comprising an IN platform may be one ofseveral types of network elements. The IN platform begins in idle mode500, and is awaiting a call from the mobile station 10. The platformdetects an incoming call 502 and answers that call 504. Once the callhas been answered, the platform sends a greeting to the mobile station506, e.g., “Hello, how can I help you?” After sending the greeting, theplatform waits to receive a voice command signal from the mobile station508. In the preferred embodiment, the command is a voice command. Thecommand may be in another form, such as data or DTMF.

When a voice command is received 510, the platform will evaluate thevoice command signal 512. The voice command may signal the platform toallow the caller to check platform-based voice-mail or to place thecaller in another platform-based service, and the caller will be placedin that service 516. For example, the voice command may be “Voice Mail.”In that instance, the platform will place the call in the voice-mailservice 516. Once the caller is placed in the supplementary service 516,the platform will continue waiting for a command 508 while the calleruses the supplementary service.

The voice command may be to utilize a call-processing service. Forexample, if the voice signal received is “Call John Doe,” the platformwill search its memory in which telephone numbers and correspondingnames are stored. If a number corresponding to “John Doe” is found, theplatform will send an appropriate command signal to the mobile station514. For example, if John Doe's stored number is 404-555-2222, theplatform will send the command signal CALL(4045551212) to the mobilestation. Preferably, the command signal CALL(4045551212) is sent usingGSM USSD. Similarly, if the voice signal received is “Conference JohnDoe,” the platform will send the command signal CONFERENCE(4045551212)to the mobile station.

If, during its evaluation of the command 512, the platform determinesthat a received voice command corresponds to a “with return” command,the platform will determine a platform call-back number that will returnthe caller to the operation point in the service in which the mobilestation was involved at the time the user initiated the “with return”command. For example, CALL_WITH_RETURN and the CONFERENCE_WITH_RETURNcommands are described above. The platform will send the correspondingsignal to the mobile station 514. This corresponding signal will includeplatform call-back number which, when called, will allow the mobilestation to return to the operation point in the service in which themobile station was involved at the time the user initiated the “withreturn” command. After sending the appropriate signal to the mobilestation 514, the platform will disconnect the call 518, and return toidle mode 500.

FIG. 3B shows the action of an intelligent network platform according tothe present invention. Particularly, FIG. 3B shows the action of INplatform when the platform is called using a platform call-back numberassociated with allowing the mobile station to return to the operationpoint in the service in which the mobile station was involved at thetime the user initiated a “with return” command. Referring to FIG. 3B,the platform begins in idle mode 600. When the platform detects anincoming call to the call-back number 602, the platform answers the call604, and thus connects with the caller. Subsequently, the platform willplace the caller to the operation point in the service 606 correspondingto the call-back number. Preferably, the call-back number willcorrespond to the point in which the mobile station was involved at thetime the user initiated the “with return” command. For example, if thecaller initiated a “with return” command after listening to the firstvoice mail in the platform's voice-mail system, the call-back numberwill correspond to returning the caller to that operation point and,when a call is received to that call-back number, the platform willreturn the caller to that operation point 606. Once the platform hasplaced the connection at the appropriate operation point 606, theplatform will await a command 508 from the mobile station. Referring toFIG. 3A, the platform will continue as shown from step 508.

Multi-party conference calls in which there are more than threeparticipants may be treated as a platform-based service or supplementaryservice in an embodiment of the present invention. That is, calls offour or more, e.g., four to six, participants would require that themobile station be connected to the network platform. Then, the networkplatform would make the calls to other participants, rather than using aCALL(A) or CONFERENCE(A) command as described above. This is due toseveral practical considerations, the first of which is thatconventional GSM phones and GSM NSSs do not support six-partymulti-conferencing. Additionally, six-party multi-conferencing istypically a scheduled event rather than an impromptu event. Suchmulti-party conferencing is accommodated in the present invention.

In the present invention, a mobile station user can conference, or“bridge,” two calls, e.g., call to A and call to B, without involvingthe platform. For example, the user can press the “Send” key andaccomplish this bridging. This bridging may be used to, for example,enact a three-way call.

As mentioned above, the network element in the preferred embodiment isan IN platform. Preferably, it has the capability of supporting the USSDor other signalling command to a mobile station. Also as mentionedabove, this network element could be a Service Node (SN), ServiceControl Point (SCP), Service Node (SN), Advanced Intelligent Network(AIN), Intelligent Peripherals (IPs) or other network element, includingvoice-mail platforming and voice-activated dialing platform.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of explanation and disclosure ofa preferred embodiment of the present invention. Modifications of andadaptations to the described embodiment will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art of the present invention and may be madewithout departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

1. A voice mail system comprising: a voice mail platform configured toconnect with a mobile station of a user, the voice mail platform furtherconfigured to play a voice mail message stored in a mail box of a userwhile the mobile station is connected with the voice mail platform,wherein: while connected with the mobile station, the voice mailplatform is configured to receive a first command from the user to calla party that generated the voice mail message; and before terminatingthe connection with the mobile station, the voice mail platform isfurther configured to send a second command to the mobile stationincluding a platform call-back telephone number, the second commanddirecting the mobile station to store the platform call-back telephonenumber in memory and to call the platform call-back telephone numberafter termination of a call with the party that generated the voice mailmessage.
 2. The voice mail system of claim 1 further comprising: inresponse to termination of the call with the party, the mobile stationcalling the platform call-back telephone number stored in the memory. 3.The voice mail system of claim 2 further comprising: the voice mailplatform receiving the call to the platform call-back telephone numberand returning the user of the mobile station to a point at which aprevious call to the voice mail platform was terminated.
 4. The voicemail system of claim 1, wherein the first command is a voice commandfrom the user.
 5. The voice mail system of claim 1, wherein the secondcommand comprises the platform call-back telephone number and a controlsignal directing an action to be taken by the mobile station in responseto the first command.
 6. The voice mail system of claim 1, wherein thevoice mail platform determines the platform call-back telephone numberthat will return the user of the mobile station to an operation point inservice in which the mobile station was involved at the time the userinitiated the first command.
 7. The voice mail system of claim 1,wherein the second command further comprises a telephone number of theparty that generated the voice mail message and the mobile station callsthe telephone number of the party after termination of a call with thevoice mail platform.
 8. The voice mail system of claim 1, wherein thesecond command comprises both a telephone number of the party thatgenerated the voice mail message and the platform call-back number tothe voice mail platform, wherein after receiving the second command, themobile station stores the platform call-back number in memory and beginsto setup a call to the telephone number of the party that generated thevoice mail message.
 9. A voice mail method comprising: a voice mailplatform connecting with a mobile station of a user; the voice mailplatform playing a voice mail message stored in a mail box of a userwhile the mobile station is connected with the voice mail platform,while connected with the mobile station, the voice mail platformreceiving a first command from the user to call a party that generatedthe voice mail message; before terminating the connection with themobile station, the voice mail platform sending a second command to themobile station including a platform call-back telephone number; and thesecond command directing the mobile station to store the platformcall-back telephone number in memory and to call the platform call-backtelephone number after termination of a call with the party thatgenerated the voice mail message.
 10. The voice mail method of claim 9further comprising: the mobile station in response to termination of thecall with the party, calling the platform call-back telephone numberstored in the memory.
 11. The voice mail method of claim 10 furthercomprising: the voice mail platform receiving the call to the platformcall-back telephone number and returning the user of the mobile stationto a point at which a previous call to the platform was terminated. 12.The voice mail method of claim 9, wherein the first command is a voicecommand.
 13. The voice mail method of claim 9, wherein the secondcommand comprises the platform call-back telephone number and a controlsignal directing an action to be taken by the mobile station in responseto the first command.
 14. The voice mail method of claim 9, wherein thevoice mail platform determines a platform call-back telephone numberthat will return the user of the mobile station to an operation point inservice in which the mobile station was involved at the time the userinitiated the first command.
 15. The voice mail method of claim 9,wherein the second command further comprises a telephone number of theparty that generated the voice mail message and the mobile station callsthe telephone number of the party after termination of a call with thevoice mail platform.
 16. The voice mail method of claim 9, wherein thesecond command comprises both a telephone number of the party thatgenerated the voice mail message and the platform call-back telephonenumber to the voice mail platform, wherein after receiving the secondcommand, the mobile station stores the platform call-back telephonenumber in memory and begins to setup a call to the telephone number ofthe party that generated the voice mail message.
 17. A computer readablestorage medium embedded with a computer voice mail program that whenexecuted causes: a voice mail platform connecting with a mobile stationof a user; the voice mail platform playing a voice mail message storedin a mail box of a user while the mobile station is connected with thevoice mail platform, while connected with the mobile station, the voicemail platform receiving a first command from the user to call a partythat generated the voice mail message; before terminating the connectionwith the mobile station, the voice mail platform sending a secondcommand to the mobile station including a platform call-back telephonenumber; and the second command directing the mobile station to store theplatform call-back telephone number in memory and to call the platformcall-back telephone number after termination of a call with the partythat generated the voice mail message.
 18. The computer readable mediumof claim 17 further comprising: the voice mail platform receiving thecall to the platform call-back telephone number and returning the userof the mobile station to a point at which a previous call to theplatform was terminated.
 19. The computer readable medium of claim 17,wherein the second command comprises the telephone number and a controlsignal directing an action to be taken by the mobile station in responseto the first command.
 20. The computer readable medium of claim 17,wherein the voice mail platform determines the platform call-backtelephone number that will return the user of the mobile station to anoperation point in service in which the mobile station was involved atthe time the user initiated the first command.